Das Contras are a six-headed musical monster with a Latin temperament, two devilish horns & a rock n roll heart.
"In 2006 a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit.
These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Tartan Underground.
Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune.
If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire: Das Contras."
Das Contras were winners of the 2006 PRS New Music Award and have left crowds shaken at festivals around the world from Auld Reekie to New York.
People have tried to describe Das Contras...
" A refreshing change to guitar bands, their maturity and obviously studied dedication to their craft created layers of warmth of sometimes up beat jazz and reggae to despairing sadness.
Think Ruben Wilson, gypsy violins, Miles Davies, filterless French cigarettes, The Bosstones, bull fighting and Ray Manzarek and you’ll probably wonder what the hell I’m talking about.
There appeared to be a fairly large fan base with them and rightly so. It was not just a gig but a celebration and a chance to party.
A joy to watch and even better to listen to. " - Live Music Direct
" Das Contras are a band of musicians from Fife in Scotland playing Folk-Funk-Jazz-Punk or something.
Elegant and unusual Das Contras display venerable creative ability in their music, with distinctive composition and craftsmanship.
They are rare carpenters with a distinct musical vision and spirit, at once eclectic and refined, brisling with improvised energy, a fusion of classical, jazz, reggae influences.
Das Contras are a rarity and a prize. Give these guys a listen, you won't be disappointed. " - Scotcampus
" ...blend folk, rock, latin, punk, reggae, shake them around a bit and take _yourself off to a distant place and you've found their sound.
And what a sound it is- they really are making some great music. " - Music News
" Das Contras are a rare breed, gigging a unique soundscape that is dynamic and original but with familiar roots.
Whilst the claimed 14000 gigs this year may be taking slight liberties with the truth there seems no doubt that this is a band that laps up the live environment regularly and revels in getting feet from tapping to jumping. " - Nexus Live
" Das Contras! Normally I’d run a mile from anything remotely jazz-funk, but these guys made me confront my prejudices. " - Review
" Bongos, brass and balls: a mariachi mardi gras! " - The Lizard
" Das Contras- one of the most talented bands in Scotland.
Three-fifths of the band were there, and as stripped-down versions of their own songs with an emphasis on trumpet and saxophone, they treated the Edinburgh audience to two John Martyn covers.
" - The Herald
" An absolute joy, and one of Scotland's hidden pleasures. " - Record
" Electic and original are the only words to describe Das Contras. " - Bloc
" Tonight's proceedings take a surreal twist when, about half way through Das Contras' set, a group of drunken cheerleaders crash into the venue and start chanting.
To their credit, Das Contras don’t even flinch and continue about their unenviable task of making danceable, catchy jazz without borrowing heavily from ska and reggae. They manage it with gusto.
Occasional Latin rhythms, the odd free form breakdown and a little piano weirdness mixed with probably the most impeccable musicianship The Loft has ever seen. " - The Skinny
" One of our favourites, Das Contras bring their rabble-rousing blend of jazz, reggae and latin-tinged songs of love, hedonism and Fife.
If you are into bands like Ozomatli, this is right up your street. " - Get Into Trouble
" Upbeat jazz combo Das Contras, whose number may be cut to a trio today, but this only highlights the virtuoso playing of their pianist and an eternally smiling saxophonist.
Lead singer and guitarist Sher Watson’s Latin-inflected vocals may make him sound like he’s from the barrios rather than Fife " - The Skinny
" The limits of the English language are reached when trying to describe
Das Contras " - T-Break
" High octane mix of Latin, funk and soul " - The Scotsman
" Define the Das? you might as well not even bother.
Just make sure you see them and figure it out for yourself. " - Fringe
" Das Contras are beyond rational description. Irresistibly danceable, funky, with cracking tunes and unimpeachable musicianship.
There's more to love than should fit on a stage. " - Is This Music?
www.dascontras.com
